Tape 1, Side 1, to partway through Tape 2, Side 1. In the first interview session, conducted on August 2, 1996, Berg discusses his family background and talks about how his family influenced his spirituality. He discusses his early life in Portland, Oregon, and speaks about his sisters, their families, and their careers. He also shares his childhood experiences during World War II while his father worked as chief surgeon at a military hospital at Fort Ord, California. He speaks about his decision to go to seminary and shares his experiences at the seminary at Notre Dame University. He also talks about fundraising for the March of Dimes as a teenager and about what the experience taught him about generosity. He then discusses a trip to Guatemala after he became a priest and talks about his work in Texas with youth struggling with drug addiction.